A parliamentary committee in Cyprus has approved a plan to reduce the lifelong benefits given to former presidents and parliamentary speakers. The proposed law, which must now be voted on by all members of parliament, focuses mainly on the use of an official car with a driver. Currently, former leaders keep this benefit for life, but the new plan would limit it to only five years after they leave office.
For a long time, people who held the country's top positions have received state-funded privileges for their entire lives. Many critics argue this system is outdated and too expensive for the public. They also say it is not logical to give the same high level of benefits to former parliamentary speakers as to former presidents.
The committee reviewed three different proposals. They agreed on a compromise plan. Their main recommendation is to limit the car and driver service to five years. Additionally, allowances for fuel and car maintenance would be completely removed. However, the committee decided to keep a separate, controversial benefit: a lifelong monthly payment of €3,000 for secretarial help, which is not taxed.
Different political parties showed varying levels of support for change. The accepted idea for the car limit came from the current House President. A stronger proposal from the Volt party, which also wanted to cut the monthly allowance in half and limit it to five years, was rejected. A third proposal from the Green party, calling for an end to all such privileges, was not accepted.
Supporters of the reform say it is a necessary update. “The state should not be linked to giving out unlimited privileges,” said MP Alexandra Attalides. “A public role ends when the term ends, not when the person dies.” She also pointed out a flaw in the current system: “It is illogical for the state to keep paying someone who has decided to lead a different major organization.”
The proposal will now be debated and voted on in the full parliament. If it passes, former leaders would lose their state car after five years, but would keep the large monthly allowance. However, the debate is not over. Some politicians have already said they will propose further changes during the final discussion, aiming to also limit the financial allowance. The final decision will show how serious parliament is about reducing the long-term costs of political offices.